Impact Highlights
Update from the Executive Director
During the 2023-2024 school year, we had the honor of supporting students by partnering with schools and community based organizations in our community. We spent another school year bringing their exuberant energy to play alongside students, fostering environments where children feel supported, active, and connected.
Our journey is far from finished. As we continue towards our goal of ensuring every kid in America plays every day, we are developing innovative new ways to bring play to new communities. We’re expanding our digital learning and widening our reach with community-based organizations, which will allow us to make our practices accessible to even more adults who uplift kids.
We couldn’t have made this type of impact without you!
This year we served
18,521
Students
310
Youth Leaders
50
Partners
63% Free/Reduced Lunch Eligible Students
“Playworks was awesome with my students with developmental and physical disabilities! Both Camille and Annika did great and found activities that the students were able to do and understand. It was awesome being included and have activities that my staff can implement at recess.”
– Classroom Teacher
According to our Annual Survey,
% of educators agree that Playworks helps…
increase the number of students that are
physically active
98%
students develop the skills to succeed in their learning community
97%
improve the school climate
93%
create an environment of belonging
98%
reduction in the number of disciplinary incidents
88%
create opportunities for inclusion of diverse groups of students
99%
Local highlight
Playworks’ first Blue Shirt District in Minnesota was announced: North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District 622. The recognition uplifts District 622’s commitment to prioritizing play’s physical, social, and emotional benefits for all their elementary school students in partnership with Playworks.
The district was recognized during a ceremony at Weaver Elementary in Maplewood. Special guests included Jesse K Mamaril of U.S. Bank and Sarah Barber of NBC Sports Next who presented the award to Superintendent Tucci Osorio and staff from the district.
Read more in our blog, Growing Play in the Twin Cities
